Leslie West, an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, co-founded and led the rock band Mountain. His powerful guitar playing and vocals were central to the band's sound, which blended hard rock and blues. Mountain achieved significant success with their hit song "Mississippi Queen" in 1970. West's distinctive guitar tone and aggressive style influenced many rock guitarists. He continued to perform and record throughout his career, both as a solo artist and with various groups. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in rock music history.
October 22, 1945: Birth of Leslie West
Leslie West was born on October 22, 1945, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City.
1966: The Vagrants' First Hit
In 1966, The Vagrants, with Leslie West, released their first minor hit, "I Can't Make a Friend", in the Eastern United States.
August 16, 1969: Mountain's Woodstock Performance
On August 16, 1969, Mountain, co-founded by Leslie West, performed an 11-song set at the Woodstock Festival.
March 1971: Recording with The Who
In March 1971, Leslie West recorded with The Who during the Who's Next New York sessions, contributing to tracks like "Baby Don't You Do It".
1973: Mountain Reforms and Acting Debut
Mountain reformed in 1973, and Leslie West made his acting debut in the film Family Honor.
1974: Mountain's Second Breakup
Mountain broke up again in late 1974.
1975: Release of "The Great Fatsby"
Leslie West released his solo album, The Great Fatsby, featuring Mick Jagger on guitar, in 1975.
1976: Collaboration with Bo Diddley and Lynyrd Skynyrd Audition
In 1976, Leslie West played guitar on Bo Diddley's 20th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll album and auditioned for Lynyrd Skynyrd.
1976: Release of "The Leslie West Band" Album
In 1976, Leslie West released The Leslie West Band album, featuring Mick Jones on guitar.
1977: Use of Electra MPC Guitar
From 1977 to 1982, Leslie West used a signature on-board effects MPC model guitar made by Electra.
1981: Mountain's Continued Reformation
Since 1981, Mountain has continued to reform, tour, and record.
1982: End of Electra MPC Guitar Use
Leslie West stopped using the Electra MPC guitar in 1982.
1986: Role in "The Money Pit"
Leslie West appeared in the film The Money Pit in 1986.
May 1987: Howard Stern Show Pilots
In May 1987, Leslie West was the bandleader for Howard Stern's late-night pilot shows on FOX, which were unaired.
1991: Collaboration with Ian Gillan
Leslie West co-wrote and played guitar on "Hang Me Out To Dry" from Ian Gillan's album ToolBox, released in 1991.
1995: Who's Next Reissue
In 1995, the tracks recorded by Leslie West with The Who were released as bonus tracks on the reissue of Who's Next.
1998: Odds & Sods Reissue
Tracks from the sessions with The Who, including contributions from Leslie West, were featured on the 1998 reissue of Odds & Sods.
2000: Joe Bonamassa's "A New Day Yesterday"
Joe Bonamassa released his album A New Day Yesterday, featuring "If Heartaches Were Nickels", in 2000.
2001: Contribution to Clutch's "Pure Rock Fury"
Leslie West contributed music and co-wrote lyrics for "Immortal" on Clutch's 2001 album Pure Rock Fury.
2003: Who's Next Reissue
The tracks recorded by Leslie West with The Who were included as bonus tracks on the 2003 reissue of Who's Next.
2005: Contribution to Ozzy Osbourne's "Under Cover"
In 2005, Leslie West played guitar on "Mississippi Queen" for Ozzy Osbourne's Under Cover album.
2005: Leslie West's Amplifier Sponsorships
In 2005, Leslie West secured a sponsorship with Carlsbro amplifiers, often utilizing their "Carlsbro 50 Top" valve heads. He also used Marshall JMP amplifiers in the studio and Marshall JCM 900s for live performances. He claimed his signature sound came from a Sunn Coliseum PA head that was sent to him accidentally.
2005: Release of "Guitarded"
Leslie West released his album Guitarded, featuring "If Heartaches Were Nickels", in 2005.
October 15, 2006: Long Island Music Hall of Fame Induction
Leslie West was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on October 15, 2006.
2008: Partnership with Budda Amplification
In 2008, Leslie West began endorsing and using Budda Amplification.
August 15, 2009: Marriage to Jenni Maurer
Leslie West married Jenni Maurer on stage at the Woodstock 40th anniversary concert on August 15, 2009.
June 20, 2011: Leg Amputation
On June 20, 2011, Leslie West had his right leg amputated due to complications from diabetes.
August 13, 2011: First Public Appearance After Surgery
Leslie West made his first public appearance after his leg amputation on August 13, 2011.
2011: Leg Amputation
In 2011, Leslie West's right leg was amputated due to complications from diabetes.
2014: Guest Appearance on Eli Cook's Album
In 2014, Leslie West was a guest performer on Eli Cook's album, Primitive Son.
2014: Interview about Health
In a 2014 interview, Leslie West discussed his health challenges, including diabetes and the amputation of his leg.
2015: Release of "Soundcheck"
Leslie West released his album Soundcheck, which reached number 2 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, in 2015.
December 21, 2020: Cardiac Arrest and Hospitalization
Leslie West went into cardiac arrest on December 21, 2020, and was rushed to a hospital where he never regained consciousness.
December 23, 2020: Death of Leslie West
Leslie West died on December 23, 2020, at the age of 75.
March 2022: Release of "Legacy: A Tribute to Leslie West"
The tribute album Legacy: A Tribute to Leslie West, featuring various guitarists, was released in March 2022.
2023: Rolling Stone Ranking
In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine named Leslie West the 245th greatest guitarist of all time.